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  • SKB ARCHITECTS

Seattle radio station KEXP offered media a guided tour through its current and future homes on January 14. It started in the current Dexter Avenue North spot (8,500 square feet), which vividly revealed why the popular station is moving to a much larger space (27,000 square feet) in the Seattle Center later this year. Over the last 14 years at 113 Dexter, KEXP has run out of room for its collection of CDs, vinyl, and tapes. Some of the vinyl dates back to the early '80s, according to DJ and guide Larry Rose. In addition, the current live room is minuscule. The new live room will comfortably fit 75 spectators. Last year, KEXP hosted 392 live performances. More than 400 free performances are planned for the new facility.

KEXP's new location at First Avenue and West Republican Street (the edifice was designed by Paul Thiry and built in 1961) features amenities that proved impossible for its current building. With the design and build by SkB Architects, it'll be much easier for bands to load in, for one thing. In addition, touring musicians will have access to a washer and dryer, a shower, and storage space for their gear, so they can go sightseeing without having to worry about leaving their stuff in a van. Live performances will be simulcast on screens in the gathering space/reception area and the courtyard in Seattle Center. Speaking of the gathering space, it will house a record store and a cafe. Details about those businesses have not been revealed yet…

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